Longwood Has Plans To Ban 'Loud, Unnecessary Noises'

LONGWOOD — Barking dogs or howling tomcats that keep neighbors awake could subject their owners to $500 fines and/or up to 60 days in jail under the terms of a proposed city ordinance.

The city commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing Monday nightand consider a final vote on a measure to amend the portion of Longwood's city code dealing with ''loud and unnecessary noises.''

Previous tinkering with that section of the code had rendered it unen forceable.

Even a car radio or home stereo that is ''plainly audible'' as little as 50 feet away could subject the owner to a citation. ''Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on the public streets,'' particularly at night, is forbidden if it might disturb someone.

The city's quiet time is designated as 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Construction and excavation noise is restricted after 6 p.m. on weekdays and holidays, except by special permit. The operation of pile drivers, steam shovels and other heavy equipment is prohibited after 9 p.m.

The ordinance says that its restrictions may be enforced only after a complaint is made by a resident to the police department.

In addition to fines and jail terms, the measure allows the city commission to take legal action to restrict the sources of undesirable noise.

Also at Monday night's meeting, the commission is scheduled to:

-- Consider passage of an ordinance to provide that the speed limit throughout the city will be 30 mph, unless posted otherwise.

-- Amend a section of the city code to delete the current curfew of 11 p.m. for minors.

City Clerk Don Terry said the city has learned that courts have ruled that local governments are not entitled to set curfew times for minors. That is considered a parental responsibility, the courts say.